Patentable/Patents/US-11263327
US-11263327

System for information security threat assessment and event triggering

PublishedMarch 1, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

A system for generating entity-specific security-related inquiries and determining a frequency for invoking the inquiries based on integration of external security-related data and internal security related data. Specifically, a security threat level is determined for an entity and the components which comprise the security threat are identified. The components signify areas of focus for generating the entity-specific security-related inquiries. In further embodiments of the invention analytics are implemented to logically analyze the external security-related data and internal security related data and the results of which further refine the generation of the entity-specific security-related inquiries and/or determination of the frequency for invoking the inquiries.

Patent Claims
19 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A system for determining security-related inquiries and inquiry frequency, the system comprising: a computer platform having a memory and at least processor in communication with the memory; an external data retrieval module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to retrieve, from one or more external data sources via a publicly-accessible portion of a distributed computing network, security-related external data associated with an entity, wherein the security-related external data comprises public open source intelligence data; an internal data reception module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to receive, from one or more internal data sources via a privately-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, security-related internal data associated with the entity; a security analytics module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to apply logic to the security-related external data and the security-related internal data to identify one or more security related data patterns associated with the entity; an inquiry generator module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to generate a plurality of security-related inquiries requesting input parameters, wherein the plurality of inquiries are generated specific to the entity based at least on (i) the security-related external data, (ii) the security-related internal data and (iii) the one or more security-related data patterns associated with the entity; and an inquiry frequency determination module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to determine a frequency for invoking the plurality of inquiries to the entity based at least on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data.

Plain English Translation

A system analyzes security risks for an entity by processing both publicly available and internal data to generate tailored security inquiries and determine their optimal frequency. The system operates on a computer platform with memory and processing capabilities. It retrieves external security-related data, such as public open-source intelligence, from publicly accessible sources over a distributed network. Simultaneously, it collects internal security-related data from private sources within the same network. A security analytics module processes this combined data to identify patterns and trends specific to the entity. Based on these patterns, an inquiry generator creates a set of security-related questions designed to gather additional input parameters relevant to the entity. The system then determines how often these inquiries should be presented to the entity, using both external and internal data as a basis. This approach ensures that security assessments are dynamic, context-aware, and adaptable to evolving threats. The system enhances proactive security management by leveraging both public and proprietary data sources to inform and schedule targeted security inquiries.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an inquiry platform module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to present, via the publicly-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, the plurality of security-related inquiries to the entity, request the input parameters for the plurality of security-related inquiries, and receive, via the publicly-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, the input parameters from the entity.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing security-related inquiries in a distributed computing network addresses the challenge of efficiently collecting and processing security-related data from entities such as organizations or individuals. The system includes a memory storing an inquiry platform module and a processor executing the module. The inquiry platform module presents a plurality of security-related inquiries to an entity through a publicly-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, such as a web interface or API. The module requests input parameters corresponding to the security-related inquiries and receives the input parameters from the entity via the same publicly-accessible network. The inquiries may pertain to security policies, compliance status, threat assessments, or other security-related metrics. The system ensures that the data collection process is streamlined, accessible, and scalable, enabling entities to provide relevant security information in a structured manner. This facilitates better security monitoring, compliance tracking, and risk assessment across the network. The system may integrate with other security management tools to analyze the collected data and generate actionable insights.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein (i) the inquiry generator module is further configured to generate the plurality of security-related inquiries dynamically in response to the external data retrieval module and the internal data reception module dynamically retrieving and receiving the security-related external data and the security-related internal data in response to updates in one or more of the external data sources or one or more of the internal data sources and (ii) the inquiry platform is configured to dynamically present the plurality of security-related inquiries to the entity in response to dynamically generating the plurality of security-related inquiries.

Plain English Translation

A security assessment system dynamically generates and presents security-related inquiries to an entity based on real-time data updates. The system includes an external data retrieval module that collects security-related external data from external sources, such as threat intelligence feeds or regulatory updates, and an internal data reception module that gathers security-related internal data from internal sources, such as system logs or employee reports. An inquiry generator module processes this data to dynamically create a set of security-related inquiries tailored to the entity's current security context. These inquiries are presented to the entity through an inquiry platform, which adapts in real time as new data is retrieved or received. The system ensures that the inquiries remain relevant by continuously updating them in response to changes in external or internal data sources, enabling proactive security assessments and risk mitigation. This dynamic approach enhances the entity's ability to address emerging threats and compliance requirements efficiently.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inquiry generator module is further configured to determine one or more security areas of focus based on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data and generate the plurality of security-related inquiries based further on the one or more security area of focus.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a cybersecurity system that analyzes both external and internal security data to generate targeted security inquiries. The system addresses the challenge of identifying and prioritizing security risks by dynamically assessing relevant security threats and vulnerabilities. It collects security-related external data, such as threat intelligence feeds, and security-related internal data, such as network logs or vulnerability scans. The system includes an inquiry generator module that processes this data to determine key security areas of focus, such as emerging threats or critical vulnerabilities. Based on these areas, the module generates a set of security-related inquiries designed to probe for weaknesses or validate security controls. These inquiries may be used to guide security assessments, automate threat detection, or prioritize remediation efforts. The system aims to improve security posture by ensuring that inquiries are tailored to the most relevant risks, reducing false positives and improving efficiency in threat response. The invention enhances traditional security monitoring by incorporating both external threat intelligence and internal system data to create a more comprehensive and adaptive security assessment framework.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a security threat level determination module stored in the memory, executable by the processor and configured to determine a security threat level for the entity based on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a cybersecurity system designed to assess and mitigate security threats by analyzing both external and internal data sources. The system includes a processor and memory storing multiple modules. A data collection module gathers security-related external data from sources such as threat intelligence feeds, public databases, and network traffic analysis, as well as security-related internal data from within an organization, including logs, user activity, and device configurations. A data processing module processes this collected data to identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats. The system also includes a security threat level determination module that evaluates the processed data to assign a security threat level to an entity, such as a user, device, or network segment, based on the combined analysis of external and internal security information. This threat level assessment helps prioritize responses and allocate resources effectively. The system may also include a threat mitigation module that implements countermeasures, such as isolating compromised devices or blocking malicious traffic, to reduce identified risks. The overall goal is to enhance threat detection and response capabilities by integrating diverse data sources for a comprehensive security assessment.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the a security threat level determination module is further configured to determine the security threat level for the entity, wherein the security threat level indicates at least one a likelihood of an occurrence of a security event or a likely loss associated with the occurrence of a security event.

Plain English Translation

A system for assessing security threats evaluates the risk posed by an entity, such as a user, device, or network, by determining a security threat level. This level quantifies either the likelihood of a security event occurring or the potential loss resulting from such an event. The system includes a threat level determination module that analyzes relevant factors to compute this assessment. The module may integrate data from multiple sources, such as behavioral patterns, historical security incidents, or contextual information, to derive a probabilistic or impact-based threat score. This score helps prioritize security responses, allocate resources, or trigger automated countermeasures. The system may also incorporate adaptive mechanisms to refine threat assessments over time based on new data or evolving attack patterns. By providing a measurable indicator of risk, the system enables organizations to proactively mitigate threats and minimize vulnerabilities. The approach is applicable across various domains, including cybersecurity, physical security, and fraud detection, where quantifying risk is critical for decision-making.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the inquiry generator module is triggered to generate the plurality of security-related inquiries based on the security threat level determination module determining the security threat level.

Plain English Translation

A system for adaptive security threat assessment and inquiry generation is designed to enhance cybersecurity by dynamically evaluating threat levels and generating targeted security-related inquiries. The system operates in the domain of cybersecurity threat detection and response, addressing the challenge of identifying and mitigating security risks in real-time. The system includes a security threat level determination module that analyzes security data to assess the current threat level, which could involve evaluating network traffic, system logs, or other security indicators. Based on this assessment, an inquiry generator module is triggered to produce a set of security-related inquiries tailored to the determined threat level. These inquiries may be directed to users, administrators, or automated systems to gather additional information or prompt actions that help mitigate the identified threats. The system ensures that security measures are responsive and adaptive, reducing the likelihood of undetected or unaddressed vulnerabilities. By dynamically adjusting the inquiries based on the threat level, the system improves the efficiency and effectiveness of security monitoring and response processes.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the inquiry generator module is further configured to determine the plurality of security-related inquiries by identifying security components of the security threat level, identifying inquiries that are associated with security components and including the identified inquiries in the plurality of security-related inquiries.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to cybersecurity systems designed to assess and mitigate security threats by generating targeted security-related inquiries. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities by dynamically generating inquiries that correspond to specific security components of a detected threat level. The system includes an inquiry generator module that analyzes a security threat level to identify its constituent security components. Based on these components, the module selects and includes relevant security-related inquiries in a set of inquiries. These inquiries are then used to evaluate and respond to the identified security threat. The system ensures that the generated inquiries are directly relevant to the security components involved in the threat, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the security assessment process. By dynamically tailoring inquiries to the specific threat components, the system enhances the ability to detect and mitigate security risks in a targeted manner. The invention improves upon existing security assessment methods by providing a more precise and adaptive approach to threat evaluation.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 4 , wherein the inquiry frequency determination module is triggered to assess the frequency for presenting the plurality of security-related inquiries based on the security threat level determination module determining the security threat level.

Plain English Translation

A system for adaptive security inquiry presentation in digital environments assesses and responds to security threats by dynamically adjusting the frequency of security-related inquiries presented to users. The system includes a security threat level determination module that evaluates various factors to assign a current security threat level, such as user behavior patterns, system anomalies, or external threat intelligence. Based on this assessment, an inquiry frequency determination module adjusts the frequency at which security-related inquiries are presented to users. For example, during periods of high threat levels, the system may increase the frequency of inquiries to enhance security verification, while during low threat levels, it may reduce the frequency to minimize user disruption. The inquiries may include authentication challenges, behavioral verification questions, or other security prompts designed to validate user identity or system integrity. This adaptive approach balances security requirements with user experience, ensuring robust protection without unnecessary interruptions. The system may also integrate with existing security frameworks to provide real-time threat assessment and inquiry adjustments.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 4 , wherein the inquiry frequency determination module is further configured to determine the frequency for presenting the plurality of security-related inquiries based further on the determined security threat level.

Plain English Translation

A system for adaptive security inquiry presentation is designed to enhance security verification processes by dynamically adjusting the frequency of security-related inquiries based on detected threat levels. The system includes a threat assessment module that evaluates various security indicators to determine a current security threat level, which may involve analyzing user behavior, network activity, or other contextual factors. An inquiry frequency determination module then adjusts the frequency of security-related inquiries presented to users, such as authentication challenges or verification prompts, in response to the assessed threat level. Higher threat levels trigger more frequent inquiries to mitigate potential risks, while lower threat levels reduce the frequency to minimize user disruption. The system may also incorporate user interaction data to refine inquiry timing and content, ensuring a balance between security and usability. This adaptive approach helps prevent unauthorized access while maintaining a seamless user experience. The system is particularly useful in environments where security risks vary dynamically, such as financial transactions, access control systems, or sensitive data handling applications.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the security-related internal data associated with the entity comprises at least one of (i) assessment results, (ii) application scan results, and (iii) incident management results.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a cybersecurity system that collects and processes security-related internal data for an entity, such as an organization. The system is designed to enhance security monitoring and decision-making by aggregating and analyzing various types of security data. The security-related internal data includes assessment results, which may involve vulnerability assessments or compliance evaluations, application scan results from automated security scans of software applications, and incident management results, which track security incidents, their resolution, and related actions. By integrating these data types, the system provides a comprehensive view of an entity's security posture, enabling better threat detection, risk assessment, and response coordination. The system likely includes components for data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting, ensuring that security teams can access and utilize the information effectively. This approach helps organizations identify vulnerabilities, track remediation efforts, and improve overall security resilience. The invention addresses the challenge of fragmented security data by centralizing and contextualizing it, allowing for more informed security management.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inquiry generator module is further configured to generate the plurality of security-related inquiries specific to the entity based further on at least one of entity type, product or service type providing by the entity, type of data hosted by the entity, amount of data hosted by the entity, volume of applications hosted by the entity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a cybersecurity system designed to assess and enhance the security posture of an entity, such as a business or organization. The system generates tailored security-related inquiries to evaluate the entity's security measures, with the inquiries being customized based on specific characteristics of the entity. These characteristics include the entity's type (e.g., industry, size), the products or services it provides, the type and volume of data it hosts, and the number of applications it operates. By analyzing these factors, the system creates targeted questions that help identify vulnerabilities, compliance gaps, or areas for improvement in the entity's security infrastructure. The system may also use the responses to these inquiries to recommend security enhancements or remediation steps. This approach ensures that security assessments are relevant and actionable, addressing the unique risks and requirements of each entity. The system aims to provide a dynamic and adaptive security evaluation process, improving overall cybersecurity resilience.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inquiry frequency determination module is further configured to determine the frequency for presenting the plurality of security-related inquiries to the entity based further on at least one of entity type, product or service type providing by the entity, type of data hosted by the entity, amount of data hosted by the entity, volume of applications hosted by the entity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a security system for assessing and managing risks associated with entities, such as organizations or service providers, by dynamically determining the frequency of security-related inquiries based on multiple factors. The system evaluates the entity's risk profile by considering its type (e.g., financial institution, healthcare provider), the nature of products or services offered, the type and volume of data hosted, and the number of applications managed. By analyzing these factors, the system adjusts the frequency of security inquiries to ensure appropriate monitoring and mitigation of potential threats. The inquiry frequency determination module processes these variables to generate a tailored assessment schedule, enhancing security posture without unnecessary disruptions. This approach allows for scalable and adaptive security management, particularly useful in environments with varying risk levels and compliance requirements. The system helps entities maintain compliance with regulatory standards while minimizing exposure to cybersecurity risks.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. A computer processor-implemented method for determining security-related inquiries and inquiry frequency, the method comprising: retrieving, from one or more external data sources via a publicly-accessible portion of a distributed computing network, security-related external data associated with the entity, wherein the security-related external data comprises public open source intelligence data receiving, from one or more internal data sources via a privately-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, security-related internal data associated with the entity; applying logic to the security-related external data and the security-related internal data to identify one or more security related data patterns associated with the entity; generating, by a computing device processor, a plurality of security-related inquiries requesting input parameters, wherein the plurality of inquiries are generated specific to the entity based at least on (i) the security-related external data, (ii) the security-related internal data and (iii) the one or more security-related data patterns associated with the entity; and determining, by a computing device processor, a frequency for invoking the plurality of inquiries based at least on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for generating and scheduling security-related inquiries tailored to an entity. The method addresses the challenge of dynamically assessing and mitigating security risks by leveraging both external and internal data sources. It retrieves security-related external data from publicly accessible sources, such as open-source intelligence (OSINT) data, and internal data from private sources within the entity's network. The method applies analytical logic to identify security-related patterns from this combined data. Based on these patterns, the system generates a set of security inquiries specific to the entity, requesting input parameters to further assess risks. The frequency of these inquiries is determined using the same external and internal data, ensuring adaptive and context-aware security monitoring. This approach enables proactive risk assessment by continuously refining inquiries based on evolving security threats and internal vulnerabilities. The system dynamically adjusts the timing and content of inquiries to maintain relevance and effectiveness in identifying potential security issues.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein generating further comprises dynamically generating the plurality of security-related inquiries in response to dynamically retrieving and receiving the security-related external data and the security-related internal data in response to updates in one or more of the external data sources or one or more of the internal data sources.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a dynamic security assessment system that generates security-related inquiries based on real-time data updates. The system addresses the challenge of maintaining up-to-date security evaluations by continuously monitoring both external and internal data sources for changes. When updates occur in these sources, the system dynamically retrieves and processes the new data to generate or modify security-related inquiries. These inquiries are tailored to assess security risks based on the latest available information, ensuring that security assessments remain relevant and accurate. The system integrates data from multiple external sources, such as threat intelligence feeds or regulatory updates, and internal sources, such as system logs or user activity records. By dynamically adjusting the inquiries in response to these updates, the system provides a more responsive and adaptive security evaluation process. This approach enhances the ability to detect and mitigate emerging threats, improving overall security posture. The invention focuses on automating the generation of security-related questions or assessments, ensuring they reflect the most current data available.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 14 , further comprising determining one or more security areas of focus based on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data and generating the plurality of security-related inquiries based further on the one or more security area of focus.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to cybersecurity risk assessment and focuses on improving the identification of security vulnerabilities by analyzing both external and internal security-related data. The method involves collecting security-related external data from sources such as threat intelligence feeds, industry reports, and public vulnerability databases. Simultaneously, it gathers security-related internal data from an organization's own systems, including logs, network traffic, and security tool outputs. The collected data is processed to identify patterns, trends, and potential threats. Based on this analysis, the method determines one or more security areas of focus, which prioritize specific vulnerabilities or threat vectors that require attention. Using these areas of focus, the method generates a plurality of security-related inquiries designed to assess the organization's security posture. These inquiries may include questions or prompts that guide security teams in evaluating risks, validating controls, and identifying gaps in defenses. The generated inquiries help streamline security assessments by directing attention to the most relevant threats and vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of risk management efforts. The method ensures that security assessments are data-driven and aligned with both external threat landscapes and internal system conditions.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. A computer program product, comprising: a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising codes for causing a computing device processor to: retrieve, from one or more external data sources via a publicly-accessible portion of a distributed computing network, security-related external data associated with the entity, wherein the security-related external data comprises public open source intelligence data; receive, from one or more internal data sources via a privately-accessible portion of the distributed computing network, security-related internal data associated with the entity; apply logic to the security-related external data and the security-related internal data to identify one or more security related data patterns associated with the entity; generate a plurality of security-related inquiries requesting input parameters, wherein the plurality of inquiries are generated specific to the entity based at least on (i) the security-related external data, (ii) the security-related internal data and (iii) the one or more security-related data patterns associated with the entity; and determine a frequency for invoking the plurality of inquiries based at least on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a cybersecurity system that analyzes both external and internal data sources to generate entity-specific security inquiries and determine their frequency. The system retrieves security-related external data, such as public open-source intelligence, from publicly accessible portions of a distributed network. It also collects security-related internal data from privately accessible sources within the same network. The system applies logic to identify security-related data patterns associated with the entity. Based on these patterns, along with the external and internal data, it generates a set of security-related inquiries tailored to the entity. These inquiries request input parameters to further assess security risks. The system also determines how often these inquiries should be invoked, using the external and internal data as a basis. This approach enables dynamic, context-aware security assessments by leveraging both public and private data sources to create targeted security questions and optimize their timing.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer program product of claim 17 , wherein the codes for causing the computing device processor to generate further comprise codes for causing the computer device processor to dynamically generate the plurality of security-related inquiries in response to dynamically retrieving and receiving the security-related external data and the security-related internal data in response to updates in one or more of the external data sources or one or more of the internal data sources.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for enhancing security-related inquiries in a computing system. The system addresses the problem of static security questions that are easily compromised or outdated, by dynamically generating security-related inquiries based on real-time data. The program includes codes that cause a computing device processor to generate security-related inquiries by retrieving and processing both external and internal data sources. The external data sources may include public records, social media, or other publicly available information, while the internal data sources may include user-specific data stored within the system, such as transaction history or account details. The inquiries are dynamically updated in response to changes in these data sources, ensuring that the security questions remain relevant and difficult to predict. This dynamic generation process helps prevent unauthorized access by adapting to new information and reducing reliance on static, easily guessable questions. The system improves security by continuously updating the inquiries based on the latest available data, making it harder for attackers to bypass security measures.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer program product of claim 17 , further comprising codes for causing the computing device processor to determine one or more security areas of focus based on the security-related external data and the security-related internal data and generating the plurality of security-related inquiries based further on the one or more security area of focus.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to cybersecurity systems that analyze both external and internal security data to generate targeted security inquiries. The system collects security-related external data, such as threat intelligence feeds, vulnerability databases, and industry reports, and security-related internal data, such as network logs, system configurations, and user activity records. By processing this combined data, the system identifies specific security areas of focus, such as high-risk vulnerabilities, emerging threats, or compliance gaps. Based on these identified areas, the system generates a set of security-related inquiries designed to assess and improve the organization's security posture. These inquiries may include questions about specific vulnerabilities, threat detection capabilities, or compliance requirements. The system then presents these inquiries to security personnel or automated systems for further investigation and remediation. This approach ensures that security assessments are data-driven and prioritized according to the most relevant risks. The invention enhances threat detection, vulnerability management, and compliance monitoring by dynamically adapting to evolving security challenges.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

January 30, 2020

Publication Date

March 1, 2022

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